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Thursday, December 18, 2008
Saturday, November 8, 2008
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The Yellow River Game Ranch
Lance is on Fall Break this week, so we decided to have some family fun. Monday, he got to spend the night at Maine and Pop's house. Tuesday, Darren was off work. We picked up Luke from school then went to the park for a picnic. That night was had a back yard camp out which was very fun! We had a fire and roasted hotdogs and markmallows, then the boys slept in the tent and me and Levi came inside and slept in our warm beds. That's my kind of camping! Wednesday, we went to the Yellow River Game Ranch. It was a beautiful day and the boys loved it! Thursday (today) has not been as eventful. Luke went to school and Lance, Levi and I went to preschool to work for a couple of hours. We went over to Maine and Pop's to do some laundry and left Luke to spend the night. Lance had a game tonight and it was freezing! They did get their first win of the season, finally! Then we rode to Johns Creek to take Darren some eye drops, because he has pink eye again! Tomorrow we are making cookies for our fall gathering at the Rainey's on Saturday. Saturday, we will be busy. Pumpkin patch in the morning, then to the Rainey's for a short time before Lance's last (thank goodness) tball game at 3pm, then back to the Rainey's for more fall fun! Enjoy the pictures!
Happy Anniversary US! :)
Darren and I recently celebrated our 10th anniversary. I really loved the picture Lance took of us before we went out. We had a nice dinner at Shogun then went to see the Fireproof movie. We were supposed to go to the Shane Co. so I could pick out a ring to get made with my diamond earrings, but it closed at 5 so we didn't make it. We also need to get Darren's wedding ring sized so he can wear it again!
The Time of Your Life
Here's one to ponder...
The Time of Your Life
by Rick Warren
Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Ephesians 5:16 (MSG)
*** *** *** ***
Why is it that time drags when you want it to pass quickly and flies when you need more of it? It’s not very cooperative!
Time is the great equalizer. We all have the same amount of it. The difference between successful people and average people is this: Achievers manage their time wisely. Rather than wasting time or spending time, they invest time. They make the most out of each moment.
In these difficult days, people are realizing that time is more important than money. Money is a renewable resource - there are always places to get more of it.
But time is a limited resource.
You only have a certain allotment of time in your life. When it's used up ... that’s it! YOUR TIME IS YOUR LIFE.
When you give someone your money, you’ve given them something that you can replace. But when you give someone your time, you've given them a part of your life. This means time management is really “life management.”
The Bible has this to say: “Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants” (Ephesians 5:15b-17 MSG).
You could summarize these verses this way:
1. Analyze Your Lifestyle. Be aware of where your time is going.
2. Utilize The Present. Make the most of this moment.
3. Recognize What’s Important. Focus on priorities that last.
A question to consider throughout the day: “How much of what I’m doing right now is going to count ten years from now … 50 years from now … or for eternity?”
You have just enough time to fulfill God’s purpose for your life. If you can’t get it all done it means:
1. You’re doing things God never intended for you to do, or
2. You’re doing the right thing in the wrong way.
Prayer: “God, help me to manage my time wisely this week.”
The Time of Your Life
by Rick Warren
Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Ephesians 5:16 (MSG)
*** *** *** ***
Why is it that time drags when you want it to pass quickly and flies when you need more of it? It’s not very cooperative!
Time is the great equalizer. We all have the same amount of it. The difference between successful people and average people is this: Achievers manage their time wisely. Rather than wasting time or spending time, they invest time. They make the most out of each moment.
In these difficult days, people are realizing that time is more important than money. Money is a renewable resource - there are always places to get more of it.
But time is a limited resource.
You only have a certain allotment of time in your life. When it's used up ... that’s it! YOUR TIME IS YOUR LIFE.
When you give someone your money, you’ve given them something that you can replace. But when you give someone your time, you've given them a part of your life. This means time management is really “life management.”
The Bible has this to say: “Use your head. Make the most of every chance you get. These are desperate times! Don’t live carelessly, unthinkingly. Make sure you understand what the Master wants” (Ephesians 5:15b-17 MSG).
You could summarize these verses this way:
1. Analyze Your Lifestyle. Be aware of where your time is going.
2. Utilize The Present. Make the most of this moment.
3. Recognize What’s Important. Focus on priorities that last.
A question to consider throughout the day: “How much of what I’m doing right now is going to count ten years from now … 50 years from now … or for eternity?”
You have just enough time to fulfill God’s purpose for your life. If you can’t get it all done it means:
1. You’re doing things God never intended for you to do, or
2. You’re doing the right thing in the wrong way.
Prayer: “God, help me to manage my time wisely this week.”
Monday, September 22, 2008
I miss you
September 23rd a year ago, I got the devasting news that my little brother, Michael Dean, died. It is still unbelievable to me. I miss you Michael! I love you!
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Labor Day at Station 24
Darren had to work on Labor Day, so the wives organized a cook out at station 24. It was a great day! I love spending time with the other families. It was a bitter sweet day, as this was probably out last get together before Darren leaves to work at John's Creek. Everyone at 24 is very special to us, they are family!
Friday, August 29, 2008
The Unsurpassed Intimacy of Tested Faith
Here's a devotion sent to me from Kelly that applies to all of our lives, but especially to a few that are very close to me. Keep the faith!
The Unsurpassed Intimacy of Tested Faith
Jesus said to her, ’Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?’ —John 11:40
Every time you venture out in your life of faith, you will find something in your circumstances that, from a commonsense standpoint, will flatly contradict your faith. But common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense. In fact, they are as different as the natural life and the spiritual. Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him? Can you venture out with courage on the words of Jesus Christ, while the realities of your commonsense life continue to shout, "It’s all a lie"? When you are on the mountaintop, it’s easy to say, "Oh yes, I believe God can do it," but you have to come down from the mountain to the demon-possessed valley and face the realities that scoff at your Mount-of-Transfiguration belief (see Luke 9:28-42 ). Every time my theology becomes clear to my own mind, I encounter something that contradicts it. As soon as I say, "I believe ’God shall supply all [my] need,’ " the testing of my faith begins ( Philippians 4:19 ). When my strength runs dry and my vision is blinded, will I endure this trial of my faith victoriously or will I turn back in defeat?
Faith must be tested, because it can only become your intimate possession through conflict. What is challenging your faith right now? The test will either prove your faith right, or it will kill it. Jesus said, "Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me" Matthew 11:6 ). The ultimate thing is confidence in Jesus. "We have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end . . ." ( Hebrews 3:14 ). Believe steadfastly on Him and everything that challenges you will strengthen your faith. There is continual testing in the life of faith up to the point of our physical death, which is the last great test. Faith is absolute trust in God— trust that could never imagine that He would forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5-6 ).
The Unsurpassed Intimacy of Tested Faith
Jesus said to her, ’Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?’ —John 11:40
Every time you venture out in your life of faith, you will find something in your circumstances that, from a commonsense standpoint, will flatly contradict your faith. But common sense is not faith, and faith is not common sense. In fact, they are as different as the natural life and the spiritual. Can you trust Jesus Christ where your common sense cannot trust Him? Can you venture out with courage on the words of Jesus Christ, while the realities of your commonsense life continue to shout, "It’s all a lie"? When you are on the mountaintop, it’s easy to say, "Oh yes, I believe God can do it," but you have to come down from the mountain to the demon-possessed valley and face the realities that scoff at your Mount-of-Transfiguration belief (see Luke 9:28-42 ). Every time my theology becomes clear to my own mind, I encounter something that contradicts it. As soon as I say, "I believe ’God shall supply all [my] need,’ " the testing of my faith begins ( Philippians 4:19 ). When my strength runs dry and my vision is blinded, will I endure this trial of my faith victoriously or will I turn back in defeat?
Faith must be tested, because it can only become your intimate possession through conflict. What is challenging your faith right now? The test will either prove your faith right, or it will kill it. Jesus said, "Blessed is he who is not offended because of Me" Matthew 11:6 ). The ultimate thing is confidence in Jesus. "We have become partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end . . ." ( Hebrews 3:14 ). Believe steadfastly on Him and everything that challenges you will strengthen your faith. There is continual testing in the life of faith up to the point of our physical death, which is the last great test. Faith is absolute trust in God— trust that could never imagine that He would forsake us (see Hebrews 13:5-6 ).
Friday, August 15, 2008
Lance's 1st day of Kindergarten! Sniff...Sniff
Here he is the big Kindergartener! For some reason, I can't seem to upload any more pictures. I'll try to do another post with more. Lance had a great day and was sad that he doesn't go back tomorrow. He was so excited to eat lunch at school and ride the bus. I think the bus was by far his favorite part of day. He is begging to ride it in the morning to school too. We are so proud of him for being such a big boy on his big day! We are also praising God for giving him a teacher whose favorite book is the Bible according to her Star of the Week board! It's going to be a great year!
Saturday, August 9, 2008
For those who doubt or look for solutions in the wrong places...
The Bible: Useful in All Situations
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
All Scripture is helpful and relevant to your life. But the Bible is more than a good self-help book; it is a treasure trove of godly principles and truths that can radically change your life for the better.
"I know there are a lot of books, and people gave me a lot of books, but I think the best book is God's Word," says Bruce, a widower.
Heavenly God, when I open Your Word, open my heart to understand what You are saying to me. Show me the value of a biblical lifestyle, a life rooted in You. Amen.
--------------------------------------------------------
Suggested reading from the GriefShare HelpCenter
Women's Devotional Bible - NIV: The Original Collection of Daily Devotions from Godly Women
The number-one selling devotional Bible on the market provides inspiration and spiritual growth for today's Christian woman. Devotions written by, for, and about godly women, featuring over 100 well-known authors. A subject index and an author index provide the reader with easy access to particular topics or authors. Also available in the Nueva Version Internacional.
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
All Scripture is helpful and relevant to your life. But the Bible is more than a good self-help book; it is a treasure trove of godly principles and truths that can radically change your life for the better.
"I know there are a lot of books, and people gave me a lot of books, but I think the best book is God's Word," says Bruce, a widower.
Heavenly God, when I open Your Word, open my heart to understand what You are saying to me. Show me the value of a biblical lifestyle, a life rooted in You. Amen.
--------------------------------------------------------
Suggested reading from the GriefShare HelpCenter
Women's Devotional Bible - NIV: The Original Collection of Daily Devotions from Godly Women
The number-one selling devotional Bible on the market provides inspiration and spiritual growth for today's Christian woman. Devotions written by, for, and about godly women, featuring over 100 well-known authors. A subject index and an author index provide the reader with easy access to particular topics or authors. Also available in the Nueva Version Internacional.
Friday, August 8, 2008
Our Vacation
Don't need to waste too much time...bags to unpack, blogs to read, uh.. I mean, laundry to wash, but I wanted to do a quick post about our vacation. It was a great relaxing 12 days, but somehow now we are home, I barely feel like I was away. Everyday life is back! Plus I am not feeling well, a mild case of vertigo. I still feel like I am on a boat! It's awful and the medicine the doc gave me makes me sleepy. So I am gently being rocked to sleep, but with whinny children hanging on my leg! OH... back to the relaxing vacation... We spent days on the beach which all the boys loved. We got our exercise because Levi had to be the great explorer! No books read at the beach this year! Darren got to go on a dive trip, which he said was amazing! We went to the Loggerhead Marine Center, which rescues sea turtles. This is a great place to visit (for free) if you are ever in Juno Beach. We took break from the sun one day and went to the movies (for free) to see Alvin and the Chipmunks. We did very good with our budget. We may have even spent less $$ than if we were at home. My mom bought a lot of our groceries. We didn't spend more on gas than if we were home, believe it or not. Thank God for bringing down gas prices just in time for us! We even had gourmet meals prepared for us by "Chef Clay" (my baby bro) that we didn't pay a dime for! If you ever visit the area, be sure to eat at Cucina's on Palm Beach. It was wonderful and a great casual atmosphere. Not pretentious at all, as you would expect for Palm Beach.
We really enjoyed our selves and I really want to thank my Grandma "GG", my Mom "Granny" and Howie, and my brother "Chef Clay" and Gabby for a wonderful vacation! We love y'all!!!!!
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Luke's 3rd Birthday Party
Luke's 3rd birthday party was delayed for a couple of weeks, but we finally had it and it was a great time! We kept it small with only family this year, but as you can see we still had 13 kids! God held the rain off for a few hours and they had a great time in the pool and on the slip and slide. Luke loved every minute of his long awaited party!
Eternal Perspective
I have to admit I have not been reading these daily emails from Griefshare lately. Yesterday and today they have caught my attention, I hope they catch yours!
Eternal Perspective
When you begin to see heaven as your true home, you can develop an eternal perspective that sees all sorrows as passing.
"It is possible to trust God in all things," says Dr. Joseph Stowell. "You may have a hard time getting there, but you won't get there unless you believe in the world to come. If this is all you have, if it's just this world, then bitterness is your only option."But if you believe that there is a God who is higher than you are and wiser than you are, and He has a world prepared for you where all Christians will be together again and be with Him in absolute joy and bliss, then that brings strength to your sorrow." Place your trust in God and in His preparations and plans for you.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:1-3).
Lord and Savior, I trust that You will someday bring me home to live in heaven with You. For now, I need to try and look at my sorrows in light of eternity. The things of this world are much clearer when I have a higher perspective. Amen.
Eternal Perspective
When you begin to see heaven as your true home, you can develop an eternal perspective that sees all sorrows as passing.
"It is possible to trust God in all things," says Dr. Joseph Stowell. "You may have a hard time getting there, but you won't get there unless you believe in the world to come. If this is all you have, if it's just this world, then bitterness is your only option."But if you believe that there is a God who is higher than you are and wiser than you are, and He has a world prepared for you where all Christians will be together again and be with Him in absolute joy and bliss, then that brings strength to your sorrow." Place your trust in God and in His preparations and plans for you.
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" (John 14:1-3).
Lord and Savior, I trust that You will someday bring me home to live in heaven with You. For now, I need to try and look at my sorrows in light of eternity. The things of this world are much clearer when I have a higher perspective. Amen.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Daily Devotion email from Griefshare, too good not to share...
Your Home Is Not Here
Faith not only empowers you to get through your difficulties, but it also assures you of a coming day when tears and sorrows are no more. Faith recognizes that this world is not your ultimate home.
"There's a longing in my soul that requires me to look up, requires me to say, 'This isn't all there is,' because it isn't enough," says Dr. Larry Crabb. "When I am hurting, others come up with the formulas and the procedures to do this and this and this and then I will be fine. My answer is this: I'll never be fine until I'm home."
What does the word home typically mean to you? Know that you were created for a different home, a better home, an eternal home with God. This life here is not all there is.
"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands" (2 Corinthians 5:1).
Heavenly Father, may I fix my eyes on You and not get dragged down by the struggles within me and around me. Please give me a taste of what is to come so I can make it through. Amen.
Your Home Is Not Here
Faith not only empowers you to get through your difficulties, but it also assures you of a coming day when tears and sorrows are no more. Faith recognizes that this world is not your ultimate home.
"There's a longing in my soul that requires me to look up, requires me to say, 'This isn't all there is,' because it isn't enough," says Dr. Larry Crabb. "When I am hurting, others come up with the formulas and the procedures to do this and this and this and then I will be fine. My answer is this: I'll never be fine until I'm home."
What does the word home typically mean to you? Know that you were created for a different home, a better home, an eternal home with God. This life here is not all there is.
"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands" (2 Corinthians 5:1).
Heavenly Father, may I fix my eyes on You and not get dragged down by the struggles within me and around me. Please give me a taste of what is to come so I can make it through. Amen.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Home Improvements
I am excited today because we have made a few badly needed home improvements. After 10 years, we are realizing a few things are getting pretty worn out around this house. Our deck is one of those things. The bench and steps were expecially bad. Today Darren and his brother Brian replaced the bench and steps on the deck. It looks so good! We eventually need to replace the entire deck. We are very thankful to Brian for helping out today! Darren also replaced my kitchen faucet. I love my new faucet. I know I'm a dork, but just wanted to share our home improvements! :)
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Happy Birthday LUKE!
We enjoyed a great family day celebrating Luke's birthday. It started off with cheese grits for breakfast, Luke's favorite. Then we had birthday cake for dessert. It was all about bugs for Luke, he had a spider and snake on his cake. He got a bug flashlight, a bug vacum and a remote control spider for his birthday. He loved them! Then we headed over to the pool at the Rainey's neighborhood. Thanks Kelly for inviting us! They had a great time swimming! We came home for naps then headed back out. We went to Zaxby's for dinner. The boys really enjoying going in to eat, which we rarely do. Luke was treated to a free kids meal, thanks to the Zaxby's kids club. Then we headed to Jump for Joy Island Adventures at the Mall of Georgia. They had a ball there too! As we were leaving the mall, we decided to walk around the village area and enjoy the evening a litte. We thought we'll let the boys walk through the fountain...we weren't there 1 minute before Luke was soaked. They had a blast so we just let them go! It was a great day. We are so thankful to God for our precious blessing, Luke Dean Johnson!
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Popcorn Movie Nights
This summer we have really enjoyed our popcorn movie nights. The boys all love popcorn and tonight we watched Garfield, which Lance bought at a yard sale for $3 this morning! Levi cracks me up eating his popcorn and after he's done, he'll help himself to his brother's bowls!
Friday, June 27, 2008
We Need Each Other: To Watch Out For
I just love my Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotional emails and feel like I need to share some. This one really speaks to me about the power of friendships. Especially as a mom, I know my mommy friends are so important. Mothering is tough and we have to have each others back!
I am also reading the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren right now. I am only on day 8 but it has been pretty awesome so far. It's a 40 day daily devotional with only about 4 pages a day. If you haven't read it yet, you should check it out!
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4 (NIV)
*** *** *** ***
Each one of us needs other people to watch out for us – to defend us, protect us, and help us stay on track. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul tells us that we should look out for each other’s interests, not just our own. What a counterculture verse! In America today, it’s all about me – my needs, my interests, my wants, and my ambitions. But Paul teaches us to look out for others too.
Since September 11, 2001, Americans have been much more vigilant for each other as we are on the lookout for more terrorist attacks. But did you know you have an enemy far more destructive than terrorists? You have a personal enemy who wants to defeat you. His name is Satan. He wants to bring problems into your life, to ruin your relationships, and to hurt you as badly as he can.
Why does he want to hurt you? Because he wants to hurt God, but he can’t – so he goes after God’s children. On your own, you will never win against Satan. But when you have other people to watch out for you and help you, you can be victorious.
Here’s good advice from Ecclesiastes 4:12: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves” (NIV).
Does anyone have your back? Is anyone defending you – watching out for your spiritual welfare? You need a community of people who are saying to you: “We’ll be with you when you’re going through the tough times. We’re not going to let you get discouraged or depressed.”
Community is God’s answer to defeat. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him” (NIV).
Remember: You can try, but you can’t live life well on your own. We all need other people – to walk with us, to work with us, and to watch out for us.
Click HERE for a free subscription to The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotional, your daily inspiration via email.
I am also reading the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren right now. I am only on day 8 but it has been pretty awesome so far. It's a 40 day daily devotional with only about 4 pages a day. If you haven't read it yet, you should check it out!
Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4 (NIV)
*** *** *** ***
Each one of us needs other people to watch out for us – to defend us, protect us, and help us stay on track. In the book of Philippians, the apostle Paul tells us that we should look out for each other’s interests, not just our own. What a counterculture verse! In America today, it’s all about me – my needs, my interests, my wants, and my ambitions. But Paul teaches us to look out for others too.
Since September 11, 2001, Americans have been much more vigilant for each other as we are on the lookout for more terrorist attacks. But did you know you have an enemy far more destructive than terrorists? You have a personal enemy who wants to defeat you. His name is Satan. He wants to bring problems into your life, to ruin your relationships, and to hurt you as badly as he can.
Why does he want to hurt you? Because he wants to hurt God, but he can’t – so he goes after God’s children. On your own, you will never win against Satan. But when you have other people to watch out for you and help you, you can be victorious.
Here’s good advice from Ecclesiastes 4:12: “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves” (NIV).
Does anyone have your back? Is anyone defending you – watching out for your spiritual welfare? You need a community of people who are saying to you: “We’ll be with you when you’re going through the tough times. We’re not going to let you get discouraged or depressed.”
Community is God’s answer to defeat. Ecclesiastes 4:10 says, “If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him” (NIV).
Remember: You can try, but you can’t live life well on your own. We all need other people – to walk with us, to work with us, and to watch out for us.
Click HERE for a free subscription to The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotional, your daily inspiration via email.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Lance lost another tooth!
Lance lost his 6th tooth and he's not even 6 years old yet! He was very proud of it and had to show everybody! The tooth fairy brought him $4 in quarters. He really likes quarters. He likes to look at each coin and notices the differences in them. I really hope he doesn't loose anymore teeth for a while!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Resisting Discouragement
I am really enjoying these daily devotionals. They really speak to me and I can't help but want to share! Please let me know if it speaks to you!
Resisting Discouragementby Rick Warren
So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***
There are many things that work to keep us from completing our life-missions. Over the years, I’ve debated whether the worst enemy is procrastination or discouragement. If Satan can’t get us to put off our life missions, then he’ll try to get us to quit altogether.
The apostle Paul teaches that we need to resist discouragement: “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up …” (Galatians 6:9 NLT).
Do you ever get tired of doing what’s right? I think we all do. Sometimes it seems easier to do the wrong thing than the right thing.
When we’re discouraged, we become ineffective. When we’re discouraged, we work against our own faith.
When I’m discouraged, I’m saying, “It can’t be done.” That’s the exact opposite of saying, “I know God can do it because he said ….”
Ask yourself these questions:
· How do I handle failure?
· When things don’t go my way, do I get grumpy?
· When things don’t go my way, do I get frustrated?
· When things don’t go my way, do I start complaining?
· Do I finish what I start?
· How would I rate on persistence?
If you’re discouraged, don’t give up without a fight. Nothing worthwhile ever happens without endurance and energy.
When an artist starts to create a sculpture, he has to keep chipping away. He doesn’t hit the chisel with the hammer once, and suddenly all the excess stone falls away revealing a beautiful masterpiece. He keeps hitting it and hitting it, chipping away at the stone.
And that’s true of life, too: Nothing really worthwhile ever comes easy in life. You keep hitting it and going after it, and little-by-little your life becomes a masterpiece of God’s grace.
The fact is, great people are really just ordinary people with an extraordinary amount of determination. Great people don’t know how to quit.
Resisting Discouragementby Rick Warren
So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Galatians 6:9 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***
There are many things that work to keep us from completing our life-missions. Over the years, I’ve debated whether the worst enemy is procrastination or discouragement. If Satan can’t get us to put off our life missions, then he’ll try to get us to quit altogether.
The apostle Paul teaches that we need to resist discouragement: “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up …” (Galatians 6:9 NLT).
Do you ever get tired of doing what’s right? I think we all do. Sometimes it seems easier to do the wrong thing than the right thing.
When we’re discouraged, we become ineffective. When we’re discouraged, we work against our own faith.
When I’m discouraged, I’m saying, “It can’t be done.” That’s the exact opposite of saying, “I know God can do it because he said ….”
Ask yourself these questions:
· How do I handle failure?
· When things don’t go my way, do I get grumpy?
· When things don’t go my way, do I get frustrated?
· When things don’t go my way, do I start complaining?
· Do I finish what I start?
· How would I rate on persistence?
If you’re discouraged, don’t give up without a fight. Nothing worthwhile ever happens without endurance and energy.
When an artist starts to create a sculpture, he has to keep chipping away. He doesn’t hit the chisel with the hammer once, and suddenly all the excess stone falls away revealing a beautiful masterpiece. He keeps hitting it and hitting it, chipping away at the stone.
And that’s true of life, too: Nothing really worthwhile ever comes easy in life. You keep hitting it and going after it, and little-by-little your life becomes a masterpiece of God’s grace.
The fact is, great people are really just ordinary people with an extraordinary amount of determination. Great people don’t know how to quit.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Fear & Grace
I wanted to share this devotion from Rick Warren. If you like it, you can sign up for his daily emails at www.purposedrivenlife.com. Hope everyone has a wonderful, blessed day!
Fear & Grace by Rick Warren
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***
God is watching over you.
When King David writes, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me,” he’s not saying, “Surely only good things will happen to me!”
The fact is bad things happen to good people. What David is teaching us is that God can take bad, evil, and difficult situations and bring something good out of them.
It’s one of God’s great promises to us: we can know that all things are working for our good “if we love God and are fitting into his plans” (Romans 8:28 LB). If you’re a believer, the Bible says all things are working together for good – not that all things are good, but that they work together for good. There’s no difficulty, dilemma, defeat, or disaster in life that God can’t ultimately turn toward good.
When you understand God’s grace and mercy, there’s no need to fear the future. God isn’t trying to get even with you. Jesus shouldered the penalty for everything you’ve ever done wrong or will do wrong. He paid for it on the cross. So when a bad thing happens, you don’t have to think, “God’s getting even with me.” That’s how God’s grace and mercy work.
Mercy, like goodness, follows us in life. Picture a parent following a little child around picking up after them; God is constantly picking up our messes.
Think about this:
· Christians go to the future, not with a question mark, but with an exclamation point. God will be with you no matter what happens. He will help you out.
· God’s goodness provides and protects;God’s mercy pardons and forgives. God’s goodness will supply; God’s mercy will sooth. God’s goodness will help; God’s mercy will heal.
· Goodness is the fact that God gives us good things in life that we don’t deserve.Mercy means God holds back the condemnation we deserve.
Fear & Grace by Rick Warren
Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever. Psalm 23:6 (NLT)
*** *** *** ***
God is watching over you.
When King David writes, “Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me,” he’s not saying, “Surely only good things will happen to me!”
The fact is bad things happen to good people. What David is teaching us is that God can take bad, evil, and difficult situations and bring something good out of them.
It’s one of God’s great promises to us: we can know that all things are working for our good “if we love God and are fitting into his plans” (Romans 8:28 LB). If you’re a believer, the Bible says all things are working together for good – not that all things are good, but that they work together for good. There’s no difficulty, dilemma, defeat, or disaster in life that God can’t ultimately turn toward good.
When you understand God’s grace and mercy, there’s no need to fear the future. God isn’t trying to get even with you. Jesus shouldered the penalty for everything you’ve ever done wrong or will do wrong. He paid for it on the cross. So when a bad thing happens, you don’t have to think, “God’s getting even with me.” That’s how God’s grace and mercy work.
Mercy, like goodness, follows us in life. Picture a parent following a little child around picking up after them; God is constantly picking up our messes.
Think about this:
· Christians go to the future, not with a question mark, but with an exclamation point. God will be with you no matter what happens. He will help you out.
· God’s goodness provides and protects;God’s mercy pardons and forgives. God’s goodness will supply; God’s mercy will sooth. God’s goodness will help; God’s mercy will heal.
· Goodness is the fact that God gives us good things in life that we don’t deserve.Mercy means God holds back the condemnation we deserve.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Our visit to 24 today!
We went to visit Darren at Dekalb today. It has been a while since we have been down there. Lance especially loved visiting and seeing where his Daddy watches TV and sleeps when he is gone. He asked a lot of questions about what they do. He thought it was cool to lay in his bed. It was nice to see all the guys at 24 again too.
Friday, May 23, 2008
New camera
We just bought a new Nikon camera. I have been playing around with it, so plan on seeing a lot of pictures! Here's a few of Luke... just being Luke! :)
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